What is whole-body cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is cold therapy or using very low temperatures to produce therapeutic results. Whole-body cryotherapy refers to a treatment in which your entire body is briefly exposed to subzero temperatures to reduce inflammation and promote wellness.
How does cryotherapy work?
As you stand inside the cryotherapy device — a large, circular chamber — your head remains above the chamber, but the rest of your body is enclosed inside the device. Then the chamber is infused with liquid nitrogen, rapidly creating a super-low temperature.
Your time inside the chamber lasts no longer than three minutes. Despite the cold temperature, you don’t have to worry about freezing or skin damage. The cold air is dry and safe as it flows over the surface of your skin.
As your skin reacts to the cold, it triggers the release of anti-inflammatory substances and endorphins. The subzero temperatures constrict blood vessels in your extremities, sending blood into your core to protect organs and create heat.
When you re-enter room temperature, your blood vessels dilate and the process is reversed. This immediately sends fresh, nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood throughout your body.
If any of your organs or muscles were impaired or performing poorly, the problem improves when exposed to enriched blood.
What is the impact of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is an alternative therapy being used by people who want to improve their performance, recover from surgery faster, and improve their overall health. As patients undergo cryotherapy they may experience:
- Pain relief: Whole-body cryotherapy alleviates inflammation in tissues, muscles, and joints. As a result, it relieves pain caused by overuse, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions. It also tends to have a soothing effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis.
- Metabolism increase: Cryotherapy boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories over several hours.
- Less post-workout muscle soreness: Cryotherapy does a better job than an ice bath at preventing muscle soreness and speeding muscle recovery. As blood flow leaves your extremities, it reduces the inflammation and swelling caused by a vigorous workout or athletic activity.
- Better sleep: Patients with insomnia find they get restorative sleep following cryotherapy.
- Improved mental health: Cryotherapy may help lift depression and relieve anxiety due to a boost in endorphins. Endorphins are hormones released in your brain that make you feel good.
To discover whether cryotherapy can help your health, call Thrive Full Body Wellness or book a consultation online.
